Education can help eradicate extremist attitudes: Siddiqui

Islamabad
Special Assistant to the Prime Minister on National Affairs Irfan Siddiqui has advised youth to become productive members of society and contribute to the development of their homeland. He stressed on the significance of education for eradicating extremist and negative attitudes prevalent in our society.
He was speaking as chief guest at the prize distribution ceremony for the National Essay Competition held in connection with the Independence Day celebrations. Higher Education Commission (HEC) Chairman Professor Dr. Mukhtar Ahmed and HEC Acting Executive Director Dr. Mansoor Akbar Kundi were also present on the occasion.
While celebrating 67th Independence Day, HEC organised the National Essay Competition in five regions -- Sindh, Balochistan, Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, Punjab and Islamabad. The programme was advertised with the theme ‘Celebrate the Freedom with Words’.
As many as 458 essays were received from all over the country. The essays received from the students were evaluated by the experts and 60 position-holders in the category of Urdu and English were given certificates and cash prizes in the five regions at college and university level.
The essays of position-holders from all regions were further evaluated in the HEC at national level. After evaluation by the judges, 6 students were selected from all over the country for 1st, 2nd and 3rd positions in the category of Urdu and English. Their essays were evaluated keeping in view the creativity, structure, adherence, grammar, length and wow factor. For recognition, appreciation and encouragement of the student they were given cash prizes of Rs100,000, 75,000, and 50,000 at national level in both categories.
Siddiqui underlined the need to root out the menace of extremism from the society, adding that education is the only tool that can eradicate extremist attitudes. Congratulating the winners and participants of the nationwide competition, he urged them to continue writing and use their pen to bring the much desired change in Pakistani society.
Professor Dr. Mukhtar Ahmed said that such competitions are helpful not only for enhancing the writing skills, language proficiency and analytical ability of the students but it also inculcates deeper knowledge of the socio-economic and political issues of the country. “You also need to show to the world that our nation especially youth is full of potential and is united to face challenges faced by this country.”
He elaborated different initiatives of HEC for human resource development as well as strengthening physical and technological infrastructure of the higher learning institutions. He shared with the audience how successfully HEC, with the support of the Government, has been executing two important components of the Prime Minister Youth Scheme including Laptop Scheme and the Fee Reimbursement Scheme.